Towing with a 3.0L 2010 LaCrosse?

[Remo]

I need to tow long distance with a 3.0L 2010 Lacrosse. Basically I'm moving from the very Westernmost point of Canada to the very Eastern side of Canada. I have a 4 x 6 trailer that I am planning on filling full and high and cramming every part of my car and trunk with more stuff. According to the manual it can tow a maximum of 1000 lbs. This seems ridiculous. I had a 4 cyl neon that was rated at 2500 lbs! I will likely have, I'm guessing 1500 -2000 lbs extra between what will be in the car and on the trailer (no passengers) but the trailer will be fairly high profile and a roof rack with a bicycle and a kayak on it.

First, why is it rated at only 1000 lbs and how bad is it to go over especially with a higher profile trailer? Second is there anything I can do to make this less potentially damaging? I'm already getting rid of 90% of what I own and basically just keeping the basics such as tools (and getting rid of 80% of those before I go) so simply saying getting rid of more stuff is not very feasible. To make it worse half of my load is from a friend who is also moving, but flying out ahead of time.

So how realistic is the 1000 lbs limit? I know I have pulled the trailer with about 3000 lbs of dirt about 7 miles before and did not seem to have any issues but there is likely a big difference between that and driving 4000 miles part of it through the Rocky mountains.

For towing limit I presume that is accounting for an average loaded vehicle with passengers so having no passengers would increase the towing weight limit but having boxes staked high and a kayak and bicycle on the roof would bring it down? I know having weight in the car is better if possible simply for better braking/stability but other than that does it make a difference where the weight is (presuming the trailer is loaded properly with correct amount of weight on the tongue)?

I have read online on generic websites where a lot of people claim that the general 1000 lb limit is just a generic limit put on most cars and is not actually a real world number, however I really do not want to get stuck 2000 miles into my move with a blown transmission looking at a big delay and repair bill or in the middle of nowhere trying to find a cheap used truck or something to buy to try to make it the rest of the way while my car goes to the scrap heap.

thx

 

[douger]

I wouldn't. Not only are you fighting a weight condition, that high boy trailer will put extra wind resistance into the mix.

 

[Remo]

Thanks. I am kind of suspecting that but was hoping someone had some actual experience or a more technical answer.

 

[oldschool]

Just my opinion, but heat is your enemy. Having said that you are towing in Canada in the winter so heat will not be as big a problem as it would in summer. Your biggest challenge will be getting through the mountains. Don't push it hard, drive in "D" not OD and I'd say you should be OK.
I know what your saying about the 1000lbs tow limit, it seems ridiculous, my old Toyota Corolla was rated at 1500lbs. I've towed my 2800lb boat with my Allure and my Wife's Lesabre without issue. Wind resistance will kill your gas mileage and I'd be careful with stopping distance. Leave lots of space.
A 4x6 trailer isn't really wide so maybe you'll be OK, just the height could be your biggest issue when it comes to the wind resistance. Also if you encounter snow and ice I'd be driving very slow or just pull over until conditions improve.
Also if you get into an accident your insurance may not cover you since you are towing more than the vehicles recommended limit.
Would I do it? Maybe, but that's a lot of distance. At my age I don't think I could handle the stress of it for that long. If you go, go slow and take it easy.

 

[G-308636]

Thanks I appreciate your reply.